NOTE: The WRT54G v5/v6 has 2Mb/8Mb Ram, it uses VxWorks OS and is incompatible with 3rd Party Firmware. v7 (Atheros chipset) and v8 (Broadcom Chipset) may have ddwrt support however you need to check the supported devices here:http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php..._based_Routers
but are not as easy to upgrade. Stay with v1-v4 and the GL

Shouldn't this warning also apply to the WRT54GS v4? The WRT54GS v4 is also using a new, smaller firmware with version number 1.x (last previous WRT54GS firmware version was 4.70.6). And according to the release notes "This firmware is not compatible with WRT54GS hardware version 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 2.1 or 3.0"

WRT54GSv4 does run Linux. OpenWrt and DD-WRT run on it just fine. The only problem is, that this version doesn't have the GS-advantage anymore. It has 4MB flash and 16MB ram, just like the WRT54Gv4 (well, with a few exceptions.... some people actually got them with 8/16).

ok, yes, it runs on vxworks. However, have you heard that any of the firmware makers are working to port their firmwares to vxworks to support the v5 routers? I hope to eventually be getting a bunch of WRTs, and I don't wanna get stuck with v5s b/c that's the only thing available, and not have 3rd party firmware to load on it. Thanks

So the new Version 5.0 routers are still utilizing a broadcom chipset and in fact a revised version of the 5352E.

Unable to locate any information on this revised chipset on the Broadcom website, it would be interesting to know what specific hardware changes the revision entailed to support the VxWorks RTOS and whether the revision chipset is simply being manfactured for Linksys.

ok, yes, it runs on vxworks. However, have you heard that any of the firmware makers are working to port their firmwares to vxworks to support the v5 routers? I hope to eventually be getting a bunch of WRTs, and I don't wanna get stuck with v5s b/c that's the only thing available, and not have 3rd party firmware to load on it. Thanks

Click to expand...

vxWorks is a proprietary OS with an expensive professional build environment - there will be no GPL source and no 3rd party firmware!

I have this new router and was having a problem with it. So i rang Linksys technical support for the problem and this can't be solved. The problem is that if you change anything in the advanced wireless menu you can't see the router anymore. Not even when you set everything back. The only thing you can do is reset the router. The strange thing was the Firmware it was 1.00.1 and that was not possible because it wasn't released yet. The latest version is 1.00.0 the man told me. Another thing he told me is that the versions 5 still running WITH LINUX.
The Technical Support will e-mail me when they have an solution for my problem. Lets hope it will be soon.

Seeing from the firmware at linksys.com, the G v5 certainly isn't Linux, but VxWorks. Maybe linksys doesn't know it themselves, and the G v6 will run linux again :grin:
It's actually a complete mess at the moment, and I can understand the support can't keep track of all this mess.

I have this new router and was having a problem with it. So i rang Linksys technical support for the problem and this can't be solved. The problem is that if you change anything in the advanced wireless menu you can't see the router anymore. Not even when you set everything back. The only thing you can do is reset the router. The strange thing was the Firmware it was 1.00.1 and that was not possible because it wasn't released yet. The latest version is 1.00.0 the man told me. Another thing he told me is that the versions 5 still running WITH LINUX.
The Technical Support will e-mail me when they have an solution for my problem. Lets hope it will be soon.

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:sadbye: I've got the same problem. I think I'll ring the support department too. A diaster because there is no telnet too.
It will be my last Linksys.

So if 3rd party firmware cannot be written for v5 because VxWorks is proprietary and most of the popular 3rd party firmware are run on top of Linux, why can't developers of these popular 3rd party firmware forget the operating system (VxWorks) on the WRT54Gv5 and write a completely new operating system? I mean does Linksys explicitly forbid developers from writing a new OS for WRT54G v5 hardware? Oses that are open source?

Why can't developers of these popular 3rd party firmware forget the operating system (VxWorks) on the WRT54Gv5 and write a completely new operating system?

Click to expand...

You can't write a completely new OS from scratch in a few months. 99% of the code the firmware developers are using is general Linux code, that has not been specifically developed for the WRT54G routers. Hundreds of developers have been working for almost 15 years on Linux. Now imagine, how long it would take, for a few firmware developers to write a new OS for this router.

Besides that, the WRT54G v5 has only 2 MB Flash and 4 MB RAM. That's barely enough for VxWorks and definitely not enough for most other OS like Linux. At least if you want to add some more advanced features. And you can't upgrade the internal memory of the WRT54G.

Excuse me, but this is bullshit. The v5 can work with Linux, just the size of the flash limits the playing-factor. When someone donates a v5, we get it work, but we won't buy it ourselfes (from a bit more money, You can get an Asus)..

There is not much that can be done with 2 MB Flash and 4 MB RAM. VxWorks is better suited for such a low memory environment than Linux. I guess, that you'll have a hard time even squeezing all the features, that Linksys does provide with their VXWorks firmware in a <2 MB Linux firmware image.

Just got a return email from linksys regarding my displeasure with my new router... here is their reply:

Thank you for contacting Linksys Technical Support.

The WRT54G v5 is still Linux based just like the previous versions of the WRT54G. To be able to further help you with your concern, please provide detailed information regarding the problems that you encounter with the WRT54G v5.

Iâ€™ll be glad if this helps. Thank you.

If you have further questions, please send us an E-mail at support@linksys.com so that we may further assist you.

The WRT54G v5 is still Linux based just like the previous versions of the WRT54G. To be able to further help you with your concern, please provide detailed information regarding the problems that you encounter with the WRT54G v5.

Click to expand...

OK, let the fun begin. I unfortunately have a v5. It runs great though, but I kinda liked the idea to "tune" some stuff. It runs the (socalled notexisting) v100.1 firmware. When I check the http://www.linksys.com/nl (I live in the Netherlands) it says the latest firmware version is 4.20.8...

When I use the "normal" http://www.linksys.com and go to the firmware updates, I can select that HW revision and it states the latest firmware revision is: 1.00.0... When I check the GPL code link:

it shows me the 4.20.8 firmware code. What gives? I am willing to try to upload it and see what happens, but I first need to get another router, to be sure I can get online when I brick the thing (which I think will happen, though I am not sure).

I find this extremely confusing and what I don't like at all is the fact that the box doesn't say a word about the HW revision. Oh well, I think I will go back to the shop monday, with a list of MAC'to see if they have the v4. If not, money back and then I have no choice but to go for the GS version (or the GL if it will come out soon).

after making a quick pass over the directory structure of that tarball u posted a link to, that indeed looks like a linux distro. However, that can't be right, as there have already been top firmware developers confirming that there's nothing they can do with the v5 WRTs. It also only has 2 meg of memory to play with, support other ppl's opinions that you can't add more functionality into the firmware b/c of the lack of space to do so in. I'm just going to carefully check the serials of the routers I buy from wallyworld to make sure they aren't v5s. All the ones still on the shelf as of a cpl weeks ago were still v3, which is good

All this brings up a point: what is Linksys' official comments on these third party firmwares? Of viously they cannot sue because of GPL, but still, what do they have to say? It's obvious that Linksys/Cisco is aware of the existence of these supplimental FWs.

I wouldn't even know where to start here, but it seems someone could compile this and see where we stand.

Click to expand...

Funny they did that. But it's code for WRT54G V4 and below.

Click to expand...

That's what I found so annoying. I mean, I buy a device, known for its "tweaking". Find out the hw revision is not able to do what I want it to do (could have known before, but hey...). Look for firmware upgrades and could be bricking my just bought device, due to bad info on the manufacturers' website. Oh well, found a store nearby who has the 3.1 reserved for me now, so i will return the v5 and get myself the 3.1.

Though, I have to say this, the v5 has NOT let me down! I could run heavy p2p running 100's of connections without a problem. I felt that needed to be said too, it's not a bad piece of hardware, it's just not tweakable enough (yet...?).

After you load that, you can load Thibor's HyperWRT for the GS, and it will work on any V4 router. And, yes, you get speedbooster. Thibor has easy, point-n-click WDS and many low latency features. You may also boost the power by setting the antenna to manual power and typing in 84.

I have WRT54G v5, and I have problems too. I have static ip connection. I set this the router and everything working well. But just for few hours. Once Mozilla dont reach any site, but skype is still working. Then skype is go offline too. Then I can ping the router(192.168.1.1), but can't access with mozilla until I don't power off the router and power on again. And the admin pages are very slow.

Firmware Version: v1.00.1

Can I put older(v1.00.0) linksys firmware to the router?
What is your advice?

I have WRT54G v5, and I have problems too. I have static ip connection. I set this the router and everything working well. But just for few hours. Once Mozilla dont reach any site, but skype is still working. Then skype is go offline too. Then I can ping the router(192.168.1.1), but can't access with mozilla until I don't power off the router and power on again. And the admin pages are very slow.

Firmware Version: v1.00.1

Can I put older(v1.00.0) linksys firmware to the router?
What is your advice?

thx

Click to expand...

The V5 does NOT run Linux. Period.

Linksys figured out why they were not selling $180 WET54G's when you could buy a WRT54G for $40 and make it a WET. It was hurting sales so they switched to a closed operating system in the V5

Is Linksys the only wireless router maker whose ware can be used to create open-source 3rd parties FW that we have enjoyed using all this time? I mean eventually all the pre-v5 version of the WRT54G will be gone from the shelf. What then? Will this be the end of linksysinfo.org? :sadbye:

Come to think of it, do we really need the stock Linksys firmware to install all these 3rd party FWs? If that is not the case, what stop people from writing complete replacement FWs for the likes of Neatgear and DLink hardware?

Take Intel for example. Intel's hardware (motherboard chipsets and CPU) do not prevent people from creating non-Windows OSes to run on them. I mean people have been sucessfully running Linux on x86 hardware for years. Can the same apply to Linksys networking hardware?

Well, until I see it on the shelf at the local computer store, it's vaporware to me. Right now, it's only available in Europe. I live in the USA.

Why is it not even on the Linksys website? I access the site from the USA. Does that mean that the Linksys webserver detects this and only serves back a geographically correct version of the Linksys website?

Hi YggY2,
If your firmware is the EU version you will know for sure because you will have 13 wireless channels to choose from. The US version has only 11. For some obscure reason I cannot download the fw you posted. Would you be so kind and emailme your version ? I can send you my mail address in pm here.

It has been mentioned on this Forum that the WRT54G V5 has only 2/8MB Ram. Has this been confirmed, as yesterday I had to urgently replace my WRT54G V1 and the only replacement I could get was a V5. On the box it says "64MB Ram". This was purchased in the UK.

64MB Ram? What?
Are you reading the system requirements for the host computer that will be connected to the router?
The onboard memory of the router itself has never been listed on the box from what I have seen.

Ok.... I was recommended to buy a linksys router. And I did. Installed it, and it still works fine.

I have:
one pc with windows (connected with a wire)
one iMac G5 connected wireless
one iBook G4 connected wireless

It all works good.

But then I tried to connect my airport express (AX) (used for iTunes) and there I got problems. So I googled a bit and find the solution: update to new official firmware or 3rd party firmware. So I did but every time got a upgrade failure. And what seems to be.. I bought a v5 of the WRT45G.

So, I'm pleased with the router. But when it comes to connecting my AX I'm getting a little bit :cry:
Is there hope to get my AX connected tot my router or.... can some one help?

WRT54GL (Linux) is now selling at buy.com - for $64.99.
It qualifies for free shipping and there are no rebates listed.

So, it can now be purchased in the US. I don't see it on bestbuy.com or circuitcity.com yet.

Click to expand...

Still cannot find any info on the WRT54GL on the official Linksys website. What is going on? However, the GPL code page at Linksys.com does have WRT54GL on the list, one for generic, one for "EU" and one for "DE".

Michelle (13861): Hi, my name is Michelle (13861). How may I help you?
You: I am looking for more info on the WRT54GL wireless router. I cannot find it on the Linksys website. Why?

(after 5 minutes of waiting)

Michelle (13861): Since this is a new router, the data sheet for this devices is still in the uploading process to our website.
Michelle (13861): This router is a fully linux based router.
You: do you know the speed difference in MHz between this one and the WRT54G version 4? V4 also runs Linux.
Michelle (13861): You can refer to the documentaion of a WRT54G router since they have the same features but the only difference is that the new router is a linux based device.
You: version 5 of the WRT54G does not run Linux
You: it runs VxWorks
Michelle (13861): You will have the same speed with both routers.
You: so I guess my question now is is there a difference between version 4 of the WRT54G and the WRT54GL?
Michelle (13861): Yes, the GPL code of the wrt54gL is on linux. That's the only difference that they have.
You: wait, how can it be different if both version 4 and the WRT54GL runs Linux?
Michelle (13861): Its just with GPL system.
You: ok, so the hardware is the same between the two devices. the only difference is the GPL code of their firmware?
Michelle (13861): That is correct.
You: ok, thank you. That will be all

But then I tried to connect my airport express (AX) (used for iTunes) and there I got problems. So I googled a bit and find the solution: update to new official firmware or 3rd party firmware. So I did but every time got a upgrade failure. And what seems to be.. I bought a v5 of the WRT45G.

So, I'm pleased with the router. But when it comes to connecting my AX I'm getting a little bit :cry:
Is there hope to get my AX connected tot my router or.... can some one help?

Click to expand...

Search the official apple discussions for wrt54g - there should be 1 or 2 very complete tutorials on how to get your AX to work with iTunes. Note that you won't be able to use the ethernet port because you will only be able to use the AX in "client mode". I had my V.5 working fine with it...but I just returned the V.5 and have persued the madness of trying to snag a v2/v3 on ebay. They're going like hotcakes and for more than what I paid for my V.5 at Bu(e)st Buy!

Initially, I got a WRK54G -- thinking it was basically the same, only to find out that it is really a POS. Today, I got a WRT56G for $69 with a $30 rebate only to find out it is a V5, limited memory, non-Linux, and version 1.0. This time, I have the receipt and it IS GOING BACK TO BEST BUY.

Here is my 2 cents:
The computer and electronics stores don't have any older revisions of the WRT54G and WRT54GS anymore. So, look for these some place else. Today I did a test, and came out successful. I found 6 stores in the 5 mile radius from my home, that had WRT54GS v2.2 and v3, and WRT54G v3 and v4. What is the key - don't look in places where people buy Linksys stuff. That means no Walmart, no BestBuy, no CompUSA, no Fry's, no Circuit City, etc. Finding the right stuff in such places is very unlikely now.
Look in places like Office Max, Staples, Office Depot. These have it all, for now...
Other than that:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16839112005 <-- ~$100 for Asus WL500G Deluxehttp://3btech.net/mowr80wibrro.html <--~$30 for Motorola WR850G
The firmware for the WRT54GS is still linux based, so that is a good choice as well.
Good luck.

Yesterday I saw all G version 5 ones at the local Best Buy in Pasadena, CA. So I headed over to a nearby Circuit City, dug through their stock and checked serial numbers and found several older models including a GS v3 (CGN5) and a G v3 (CDF8) and bought both on sale with a $30 mail in rebate for each one. After testing the two I found the G v3 to be good and the GS v3 with WPA2 to be really awsome. I flashed both with updated Linksys firmware and they were rock solid and smokin fast compared to my two year old WAP54G v1.1 with Linksys router combo.

Today at the exact same Best Buy and they only had one or two v5 left from their sale but I saw at least 20 version 4 routers and I nearly did a back flip. The salesman said there were even more of these in the back. I stocked up on the two G v4 ones for use with third party firmware and I only paid $69 each minus $10 instant rebate, got two $10 Best Buy gift cards and mail in rebate forms for $30 for each router. What's that come to ...$19 for each G v4 router ??? Go figure.

I would keep checking your local Circuit City, Best Buy, Target, WalMart, Office Depot, Staples, etc. since they will often rotate older stock onto their shelves after their sales. You could also ask the salesman check for you in their storage. :thumbup:

Help, please! I am upgrading from a BEFW11S4, and have purchased 2 models of WRT54G

The first 4 digits of the first one are CDF2, should be Ver. 1.1
And the other CDFA, should be Ver. 4.0

From what I have been reading, both should have a 200MHz proc. Is one better than the other? Or should I return both and hold out for one with the KQM chipset? There are too many variables for me to sort them out, so any advice would be really appreciated!!

I went to a local Staples and grabbed two units of WRT54GS with S/N CGN1xxxx and CGN4xxxx. I check the WRT54GS table and they are version 1 and 2.1, repsectively. They both have Flash/RAM of 8/32 MB. I guessed these two unit will work with OpenWRT and fit with asterisk PBX. Can anyone dispute this?

From the WRT54GS table shown on this list. the difference between v2.x and v3.x seems to be the CPU where it seems CPU used under v3.x is never (higher series) and perhaps more powerful. The question I have is should I bother to get a WRT54G v3 instead of v2.x?

I just got a Linksys WRT54GS v3.0 (S/N: CGN50Exxxxxx) from a local OfficeDepot. I pulled it out from the box, and it says v3.0 on the bottom of the router. The question I have is how do I know if this unit really comes with 8/32 MB Flash/RAM? I don't see any log stating that besides looking at this table of WRT54GS? The only reason I bought this Linksys WRT54GS v3 is to run open firmware with asterisk. Can anyone point me to the right direction?

I bought a V5 for $39.99 at Circuit City (no mail in rebates or anything). When I got home I found this forum, and I was hesistant to even open it... but last night I gave in and installed it. I'm glad I did.. here are the results:

-Setup was easy enough with the setup CD provided, but I did have to configure my firewall (Norton Internet Security) to trust the router's IP before I got a wired connection to the internet. I use a Motorola Surfman Cable Modem and Cox Cable broadband service. -The one exception in setup is that it gave me a choice of configurations: Statis IP, DHCP, PP2P, etc. I chose DHCP because I vaguely remembered that from somewhere and it worked, but it could have easily been otherwise. I also had to reset my cable modem.
-Wireless speed seems much faster than my previous router (D-link DI-514). The connection status reading in my laptop reads 54mbps, with some moments dropping to 48. I have yet to lose a connection.
-Link quality stayed at a consistent "excellent" throughout the house... with the previous it would be "good" in the more remote, upstairs rooms.
-P2P software worked flawlessly from the first try.
-Xbox Live worked flawlessly by just plugging it in (wired).
-Norton Firewall keeps protecting me as usual.
-I haven't configured encryption yet (didn't have it before... maybe I'll do it this weekend)
-I did not upgrade the firmware... I'll find out which one I have and post it later.
-All day today it seems to be working exactly the same.

So far I'd say I'm happy... I don't really need to hack into the router and it's meeting my expectations.

One question though... what is an objective way to measure connection speed?

I just got a Linksys WRT54GS v3.0 (S/N: CGN50Exxxxxx) from a local OfficeDepot. I pulled it out from the box, and it says v3.0 on the bottom of the router. The question I have is how do I know if this unit really comes with 8/32 MB Flash/RAM? I don't see any log stating that besides looking at this table of WRT54GS? The only reason I bought this Linksys WRT54GS v3 is to run open firmware with asterisk. Can anyone point me to the right direction?

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If it's a WRT54GS v3 then it definitely has 8/32 MB of Flash/RAM. I do own one and the best way I can figure to check the RAM capacity is to load DD-WRT onto it and check with the "free" or "top" commands. If somehow your particular unit has less RAM than it should, flash back to a Linksys firmware such as the latest and return it to the store you purchased it from. I did this with a WRT54GS v4 after I discovered that mine had only 16 MB of RAM (there were rumors that some actually had 32) and didn't have any problems returning it to Best Buy.

Routers are packaged computers. In the case of the Linksys WRT54G V4 and prior units, they are a Linux computer that happens to lack a video card, hard drive, etc. It has a certain amount of RAM to run Linux, and a certain amount of Flash to hold the operating system and software, along with the configuration data.

I bought a V5 for $39.99 at Circuit City (no mail in rebates or anything). When I got home I found this forum, and I was hesistant to even open it... but last night I gave in and installed it. I'm glad I did.. here are the results:

Click to expand...

If you don't plan to use the open source firmware, i.e. DD-WRT, OpenWRT, etc., then the WRT54G v5 that you have is OK. Do you know that you can grab a copy of Linksys $15 rebate to send in to make your WRT54G $25? Also, Staples has this WRT54G $25 (after the easy rebates). And, if you play your card right you can even get the $15 rebate from Linksys to bring this down to $10. Remember, the $15 Linksys rebate didn't mention of Staples as one of the participants.